Sores or lesions on the female genitalia or in the vagina may have a number of possible causes.
Sores on the female genitals
Genital sores may be painful, itchy, produce a discharge, or cause no symptoms at all.
Because genital lesions or sores can have a negative affect on a person's self-image, many people do not seek proper medical care. All genital sores should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Itching, painful urination, or painful sexual intercourse often occur with genital lesions.
Sores or lesions on the female genitals are often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs that can cause these sores include:
Precancerous changes of the vulva (vulvar dysplasia) may...
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the
herpes simplex viruses (HSV) type 1 and type 2. Most genital herpes
is caused by HSV type 2.
Most people have no or minimal symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2
infection. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear as one or
more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters
break, leaving ulcers or tender sores that may take up to four
weeks to heal. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or
Although the infection can stay in the body forever, the number
of outbreaks usually decreases over a period of years. You can pass
genital herpes to someone else even when you experience no
How common is genital herpes?
About 45 million Americans, age 12 and older have genital
herpes. Its estimated that up to one million people become
infected each year. Genital Herpes (HSV-2) is more common in women
How can I get genital herpes?
Herpes is a virus that can be...
Alternative Names Plane juvenile warts; Periungual warts; Subungual warts; Plantar warts; Verruca; Verrucae planae juveniles; Filiform warts; Verruca vulgaris Treatment Over-the-counter medications can remove warts. These are applied to the wart every day for several weeks. Do NOT use these medications on your face or genitals. It helps to file the wart down when damp (for example, after a bath or shower) before applying these medications. Do NOT treat warts on your face or genitals yourself. See your health care provider. Pain and pressure from plantar warts can be treated with special cushions that are available at drug stores. Your health care provider may use stronger (prescription) medications, such as podophyllin or salicylic acid, for removal of persistent warts. Surgical removal or removal by freezing ( cryotherapy ), burning ( electrocautery ), or laser treatment may be needed. Immunotherapy, done by injecting a substance that causes an allergic reaction, may also be considered by your...
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